Istine 550 Merlot 2021

Istine 550 Merlot 2021 is a refined Tuscan expression of Merlot that bridges classic Bordeaux elegance with the energy and tension of high-altitude Chianti Classico country. Crafted in small quantities, it showcases the variety’s plush fruit in a distinctly Italian, terroir-driven style—vibrant, structured and beautifully drinkable. The “550” nods to the vineyard’s elevation at roughly 550 meters above sea level, a key factor that shapes this wine’s freshness and aromatic precision.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Istine 550 Merlot 2021 presents a deep, luminous ruby core with subtle violet reflections at the rim, signaling both youth and concentration. The nose opens with ripe black cherry, wild plum and blackberry, followed by notes of dried herbs, violet, graphite and a hint of sweet spice—clove, cocoa and a touch of cedar from careful oak aging. On the palate, this is a medium to full-bodied Merlot with a refined Tuscan edge: juicy dark fruit framed by lively acidity and fine, chalky tannins. Flavors of black cherry, mulberry and blackcurrant mingle with savory undertones of tobacco leaf, bay, and a faint ferrous, mineral note that speaks to its high-altitude origins. The finish is long and poised, with lingering dark fruit, spice and a refreshing snap of freshness that keeps the wine lifted rather than heavy. Enjoyable now with a short aeration, it has the structure and balance to evolve gracefully over the next 6–8 years, gaining complexity and softer texture with time in bottle.

Production
Istine 550 Merlot 2021 comes from hillside vineyards in the heart of Tuscany, planted on the stony galestro and alberese soils that define the Chianti Classico zone around Radda in Chianti. These poor, rocky soils, combined with an elevation of around 550 meters, deliver low yields, excellent natural acidity and slow, even ripening. Grapes are harvested by hand, with strict selection in the vineyard and again at the winery to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy clusters are used. After gentle destemming and crushing, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks using primarily native yeasts, with regular pump-overs or punch-downs to extract color, aroma and fine tannins. The wine is then aged in a combination of neutral and lightly toasted oak (often large casks or used barriques) to preserve freshness and varietal purity while adding subtle structure and complexity, before a period of bottle rest prior to release.

Food & Serving
This Tuscan Merlot pairs beautifully with hearty yet refined dishes: think pappardelle with wild boar ragù, grilled lamb chops with rosemary, bistecca alla fiorentina, or roasted pork with fennel and herbs. It also works well with aged Pecorino, semi-hard cow’s milk cheeses, mushroom risotto and truffle dishes, where its dark fruit and savory notes find a natural echo. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight both fruit and structure. A brief decant of 30–45 minutes is recommended in its youth to allow the aromatics and tannins to unwind, especially if you are opening it within the first few years of release.

Producer
Istine is a respected, quality-driven estate based in Radda in Chianti, one of the highest and coolest subzones of the Chianti Classico area. Known initially for its pure, altitude-influenced Sangiovese, the estate has become a reference point for elegant, terroir-transparent Tuscan reds. The vineyards sit on classic galestro and alberese soils at significant elevations, giving wines of tension, aromatic clarity and longevity. In recent years, Istine has gained considerable recognition from international critics and sommeliers for its precise, site-specific bottlings and its commitment to sustainable, often organic, viticulture. The 550 Merlot bottling reflects the same philosophy: a focus on place, balance and drinkability, interpreted through a single, noble variety in the hills of Tuscany.

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